Report: Trump Met with Live Nation CEO Before DOJ Antitrust Settlement

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Donald Trump directed the Department of Justice to settle its antitrust suit with Live Nation after personally meeting with CEO Michael Rapino on February 27.

Timeline:

• An initial report by the WSJ said the settlement occurred after a March 5 meeting at the White House attended by Rapino, Live Nation’s lawyers, and DOJ officials including former Attorney General Pam Bondi.

• In its latest reporting, the WSJ reveals that Trump and Rapino met a few weeks earlier.

• The February meeting took place in the Oval Office, ostensibly to focus on Trump’s plans for the Kennedy Center and his interest in Live Nation operating the venue.

• Trump allegedly asked Rapino why Live Nation hadn’t yet settled its DOJ case.

• According to the report, Trump subsequently instructed the DOJ to settle.

Defending the deal:

• The settlement imposed concessions involving Live Nation’s amphitheaters and Ticketmaster exclusivity contracts, but critics argue it did not sufficiently address Live Nation’s market power.

• Live Nation has defended the deal, saying the DOJ and states obtained as much or more than they could have expected to win at trial.

• Judge Arun Subramanian will review the DOJ settlement and whether it serves the public interest, while also determining the punishment in the states’ successful case against Live Nation.